FAMU asks lawsuit from hazing death be dismissed

ttorneys for Florida A&M University are asking a judge in Orlando to dismiss a civil lawsuit brought by the family of a school drum major who died last year after being hazed by fellow band members.

MIKE SCHNEIDER,Associated Press

ORLANDO — Attorneys for Florida A&M University are asking a judge in Orlando to dismiss a civil lawsuit brought by the family of a school drum major who died last year after being hazed by fellow band members.

Attorneys are going before Circuit Judge Walter Komanski on Wednesday, claiming that Robert Champions' fatal injuries were the result of his agreeing to participate in hazing.

Champion's parents filed a lawsuit contending university officials did not take action to stop hazing even though a school dean proposed suspending the famed Marching 100 band just days before their son died. The lawsuit also alleges that school officials fell short in enforcing anti-hazing policies.

Champion's parents rejected a $300,000 settlement offer from the university earlier this month.